Empowered Working Mom Revolution

S6EP4: Working Mom Guilt- A Teacher's Journey to Blending Authentic Parenting and Career with Marivic Walch

Hey mama friends! 💕

Ever feel torn between being the perfect employee and the perfect mom? You're not alone, and this episode is exactly what you need to hear.

Join host Jocelyn Auyeung as she sits down with her dear friend Marivic Walch, a 25-year veteran third-grade teacher and mother of two college-aged daughters. This raw, honest conversation tackles the reality every working mom faces: you can't give 100% to everything, and that's actually okay.

What really resonated with me during our conversation because I’ve experienced myself, was Marivic's journey from trying to be "super teacher" to embracing authentic motherhood - and how that shift transformed her relationships with both her students and her daughters.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

🎯 The Working Mom Mindset Shifts That Change Everything:

• Why the "100% to everything" mentality is setting you up for failure
• How to find peace with being "good enough" in both roles
• The power of intentional boundary setting (and why Marivic stopped bringing work home)

💕 Revolutionary Parenting Strategies for Deeper Connection:

• The phrase that transforms parent-child relationships: "I've never parented you at this age before"
• How radical honesty with your kids builds unbreakable trust
• Why telling your child "I don't like you right now, but I'll always love you" is actually healthy

🏠 Creating Family Culture on Any Budget:

• Simple activities that build lifelong memories (hint: it's not about expensive experiences)
• The "window shopping" tradition that costs nothing but builds everything
• How to turn everyday errands into quality time

✨ Overcoming Working Mom Guilt and Inadequacy:

• Practical strategies for managing the "I'm failing at everything" feelings
• How to communicate your struggles without overwhelming your children
• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up

About Marivic Walch:

Marivic Walch is a dedicated educator and proud mother of two remarkable young women who represent her greatest achievements in life. As a third-grade teacher entering her 25th year in the classroom, she brings decades of experience nurturing young minds while balancing the demands of motherhood. Marivic is committed to living authentically while continuously evolving into her best self—celebrating both her progress and her ongoing journey of personal development.

Key Takeaways for Working Moms:

For New Working Moms:

• Permission to release perfectionist expectations in both career and parenting
• Practical boundary-setting strategies that actually work
• Hope that the overwhelming early years do get easier

For Experienced Working Moms:

• Validation that feeling inadequate is normal (and how to work through it)
• New perspectives on honest communication with children at every age
• Encouragement to prioritize self-care without guilt

For All Moms:

• Inspiration for building authentic relationships with your children
• Real examples of creating meaningful family traditions on any budget
• Tools for managing mom guilt and unrealistic expectations
  

Question for reflection:

💭 Where in your life are you still chasing that impossible 200% standard? What would it feel like to give yourself permission to be "good enough"?

 

Thank you for listening, mama friends. Please know that you are doing the best that you can and that's enough. You've got this!

 

With love and care for you,

Jocelyn 💕

 

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts if this episode resonated with you - it helps other moms find exactly what they need to hear.

S6EP3: Breaking Cycles and Trusting Your Gut with Susan Lieu

Hey mama friends! 💕

This conversation with Susan Lieu absolutely hit me right in the gut - and I know it's going to resonate deeply with so many of you who are navigating the beautiful, complex work of breaking generational cycles while raising our own little humans.

Susan is a Vietnamese American storyteller, activist, and author whose memoir The Manicurist's Daughter (an Apple Book Pick!) explores her journey of healing after losing her mother to a botched cosmetic surgery when she was just 11 years old. For three decades, her family never spoke about her mother or what happened - and that silence shaped everything about how Susan learned to move through the world.

What really stood out to me about our conversation:

• The courage it takes to parent differently • Her honesty about the messy journey of learning to trust yourself • The power of giving yourself permission

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

🌟 How to break cycles of emotional suppression - practical ways to validate your children's feelings instead of shutting them down

🌟 Why trusting your intuition as a mother matters - and how to rebuild that muscle if it feels rusty

🌟 The connection between self-care and showing up fully - Susan's wisdom about hitting pause so you can serve from a full cup

🌟 How to "fan the embers" of your calling - even when you're deep in the thick of motherhood

🌟 Permission to live like you're mortal - Susan's powerful reminder that we don't know our timeline, so what are we waiting for?

My biggest takeaway:

Susan said something that's been sitting with me: "No one's watching. No one cares. And so, if it's going to serve you, if it's on your heart and mind, why not give it to yourself?"

Mama, if you've been turning down the volume on something that's calling to you - whether it's a creative project, a career pivot, or simply the courage to parent differently than how you were raised - this episode is for you.

About Susan Lieu:

Susan is a multi-hyphenate storyteller, activist, and author. She's the creator of the critically acclaimed solo show "140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother," and her debut memoir The Manicurist's Daughter has received praise from The New York Times, NPR Books, Elle Magazine, and The Washington Post. She's also a mother to 4-year-old Art and recently became one of Seattle's Most Influential People for 2024.

 

Buy her AMAZING book:

THE MANICURIST’S DAUGHTER
An emotionally raw memoir about the crumbling of the American Dream and a daughter of refugees who searches for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery.

https://www.susanlieu.me/the-manicurists-daughter

 

Connect with Susan:

• Instagram: @SusanLieu, @celadonbooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial
• TikTok: @susanlieuofficial
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/
• Website: susanlieu.me
• Watch her solo show "140 LBS" 

Questions for reflection:

💭 What's one "ember" in your life that's been calling for more oxygen?

💭 How are you teaching your children that their feelings and bodies matter?

💭 What would it look like to give yourself permission to explore something that makes you feel alive?

Thank you for listening, mama friends. Please know that you can do hard things, you deserve to trust your inner knowing, and it's never too late to create the life and family culture you actually want.

 

Sending you love, light, and joy.

With gratitude,

Jocelyn

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If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or send me a LinkedIn message. Your openness to share is what creates connection and belonging amongst us moms.

S6EP2: Breaking the 'Not Enough' Cycle: Building Community and Finding Your Motherhood Identity with Sabrena Lopez

Feeling like you're not doing enough as a mom, no matter what path you choose? You're not alone. In this vulnerable conversation, first-generation college graduate and nonprofit leader Sabrena Lopez shares her raw journey through motherhood identity crisis and how she transformed her struggles into Motherhouse Collective and Mosaic House- a revolutionary community space for mothers.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to navigate the "not enough" narrative that haunts many mothers
• Why trying different motherhood scenarios (stay-at-home, working mom, hybrid) can still leave you feeling lost
• The difference between glass and rubber balls - and how to prioritize what truly matters
• How to build judgment-free community in a world of mom shaming
• Strategies for redefining success and values in motherhood
• Why vulnerability and authenticity are essential for maternal mental health

About Our Guest: Sabrena Lopez

Sabrena Lopez founded Spectrum Administrative Services in 2022 to streamline operations for nonprofits and startups. With expertise in nonprofit management and business operations, she optimizes workflows for sustainable growth.

As the visionary behind Motherhouse Collective and Mosaic House, Sabrena supports mothers with professional development and wellness programming. Passionate about empowering women and fostering inclusive spaces, she's dedicated to creating collaborative and innovative opportunities in the Chicago community and beyond.

Connect with Sabrena:

• Websites: motherhousecollective.org, mosaichousecommunity.com
• LinkedIn: Sabrena Lopez

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Love this episode? Share it with a mom friend who needs to hear Sabrena's story! Subscribe to Empowered Working Mom Revolution for more inspiring conversations with moms who are redefining what it means to balance career, creativity, and family.

Leave a review and let us know which part of Sabrena's story resonated most with you. Your reviews help other moms find our community!

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We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.

We would appreciate your support because your support matters!  

1. Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
   Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
2. You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
3. Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!

Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."

Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you.  You can click this link to make a donation. Thank you!

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Connect with Jocelyn, MA,  PCC (she/her/hers)

NurturED Solutions | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching

S6EP1: Unexpected Motherhood: How Jessica Wan Navigated Career Change, Loss, and Finding Her Creative Spark Again

Discover Jessica Wan's powerful story of unexpected motherhood, career transformation, and navigating life's biggest challenges. In this heartfelt conversation, Jessica shares her journey from not wanting children to becoming a mom at 35, all while grieving the loss of her mother and transforming her career from marketing executive to executive coach.

What You'll Learn:

• How to navigate motherhood without your own mother's guidance
• Why it's never too late to change careers and follow your passion
• The reality of being pregnant in male-dominated workplaces
• How coaching skills can transform your parenting approach
• Why your creative spark never truly dies, even in motherhood
• Practical wisdom for working moms feeling overwhelmed

Guest Bio

Jessica Wan is an ICF-Certified Executive Coach who spent 20 years connecting people with products they love at companies like Apple, San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. After discovering her passion for developing people while managing teams, she transitioned to executive coaching, partnering with leaders in work and whole-life leadership. Jessica double-majored in Music and Product Design at Stanford, earned an MBA from Berkeley-Haas, and is also a mom, opera singer, and host of The Ampersand Manifesto podcast.

Connect with Jessica

• Podcast: The Ampersand Manifesto 
• LinkedIn: Jessica Wan
• Website:http://www.jessicawan.com

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Love this episode? Share it with a mom friend who needs to hear Jessica's story! Subscribe to Empowered Working Mom Revolution for more inspiring conversations with moms who are redefining what it means to balance career, creativity, and family.

Leave a review and let us know which part of Jessica's story resonated most with you. Your reviews help other moms find our community!

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We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.

We would appreciate your support because your support matters!  

1. Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
   Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
2. You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
3. Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!

Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."

Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you.  You can click this link to make a donation. Thank you!

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Connect with Jocelyn, MA,  PCC (she/her/hers)

NurturED Solutions | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching

S5EP8: Finding Your Voice After Divorce: One Mom's Journey from $200 to Thriving with Judy Tsuei

In this powerful episode, Judy Tsuei shares her raw, inspiring journey of rebuilding her life after divorce with just $200 to her name while co-parenting her young daughter. From surviving an emotionally challenging marriage to creating a thriving business and finding healthy love within just five years, Judy's story is a testament to the resilience within all of us. Her vulnerable reflections on belonging, authenticity, and healing offer a roadmap for any mom navigating difficult transitions while trying to show up authentically for herself and her children.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of belonging to yourself first before seeking belonging with others
• How finding advocates and supporters is crucial during major life transitions
• Reframing what "success" means in relationships and understanding that ending a relationship can sometimes be the healthiest choice
• Learning to trust your internal signals when something doesn't feel right
• The value of having honest, age-appropriate conversations with children during difficult times
• How personal healing directly impacts your ability to parent effectively
• The possibility of significant positive transformation in a relatively short time
• Finding the courage to use your voice and speak your truth, especially when you've been conditioned to stay quiet

 

About Judy Tsuei

Judy is a Master Practitioner Coach of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Mental Emotional Release (MER) specializing in helping high-achieving women leaders and visionary entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of modern life while staying true to their authentic selves.

 

Connect with Judy

• Website: http://nicetiger.co
  • Check out her resource: https://judy-tsuei.kit.com/imposter
• Instagram: @judytsuei

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S5EP7: The Power of Self-Trust in Motherhood with Vanity Jenkins

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Vanity Jenkins, a single mom, PhD student, and DEI consultant who's redefining what it means to parent from a place of deep self-trust and authenticity. In this heartfelt episode, Vanity shares her journey of choosing entrepreneurship, prioritizing mental health, and creating space for her daughter to thrive as her true self. Through laughter, real talk, and powerful insights, we explore how letting go of prescribed parenting rules and trusting our maternal instincts can transform our motherhood experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Why trusting your maternal instincts matters more than following parenting books
• How to create space for your children to develop their authentic interests and identity
• The importance of prioritizing mental health and healing in your parenting journey
• Practical ways to curate the parenting advice you let into your life
• Breaking free from traditional single motherhood narratives
• Reconnecting with your body's wisdom as a parent and leader
• Finding balance between structure and flexibility in parenting
• The power of modeling emotional awareness for our children

About Vanity Jenkins

Vanity Jenkins is the founder and principal consultant of ShiftED Consulting.  She created the organization with the vision of abolishing racism and anti-blackness from organizations across America. ShiftED’s mission is to provide communities the knowledge and skills to eradicate anti-blackness and white supremacy culture individually, interpersonally, and systemically so that individuals and organizations can build inclusive, productive, and thriving environments.   An inclusive, goal-oriented leader, Vanity’s teams consistently scored in the top 10% on the national Great Places to Work Survey. Vanity holds Women’s Leadership, Restorative Justice, Executive Coaching, and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy certifications. She is a current Ph.D. student at Penn State University.

Connect with Vanity on:

• http://www.shiftedconsulting.com
  • Check out her services: Executive Coaching for women of color! https://www.shiftedconsulting.com/executive-coaching
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

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S5EP6: Breaking Free & Building Dreams: A Working Mom's Journey to Authentic Success with Justine Wentzell-Chang

Are you looking to create success that honors both your career ambitions AND your desire to be present with your kids?

Then this soulful conversation is for you. Justine Wentzell-Chang, a brilliant copywriter and messaging strategist shares her beautiful journey of building a business while honoring motherhood. From navigating life with a pandemic baby to embracing neurodivergence as a superpower, Justine offers an honest perspective on creating success that aligns with our deepest motherly instincts.

Whether you're feeling stretched between career ambitions and family life or seeking permission to parent differently than previous generations, this heartfelt conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to trust your path.

Key Takeaways:

• Why understanding your unique wiring (through human design and embracing neurodivergence) can transform both your motherhood and business journey
• How to honor your mama intuition while navigating family traditions and expectations
• The life-changing power of finding your "people"- connecting with other moms who share your values
• Practical wisdom for making decisions that honor both your career dreams and desire for present parenting
• Gentle approaches to breaking generational cycles while maintaining loving family bonds
• How reframing challenges like ADHD into superpowers can revolutionize your approach to work and parenting
• Creating a business that works in harmony with motherhood, not against it

About Justine Wentzell-Chang

Justine Wentzell-Chang is an Eldest Daughter of Immigrants, Mother, Activist, and Copywriter/Messaging Strategist for phenomenal BIPOC + woman-owned businesses on a mission to change the status quo and create positive culture change.

 

Connect with Justine on:

• Instagram @redballoonstation
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-wentzell-chang/
• Website: https://www.redballoonstation.com/

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S5EP5: Parenting with Purpose: How to Balance Career Growth and Family Wellbeing with Gissel Tapper

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gissel Tapper, a mom of two daughters ages 24 and 13, who shares her journey of taking bold leaps of faith while keeping her children's wellbeing at heart. From moving across continents to navigating different stages of motherhood, Gissel opens up about how intentionality and faith have guided her parenting decisions. Her story reminds us that we don't need to have everything figured out to make brave choices, and that sometimes our children are more resilient than we imagine.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of intentional parenting - in our words, actions, and the examples we set
• Understanding and responding to each child's unique love language and needs
• Building a strong parenting partnership through consistent communication
• Finding strength in faith and trusting your journey, even when you can't see the whole path
• The importance of modeling confidence and stability during major life transitions
• Creating meaningful connections with our children across different ages and stages
• Balancing work and motherhood with grace and purpose

About Gissel

She's a mom of two daughters, ages 24 and 13 who's ready to take risks and enthusiastic about new challenges, as well as learning and sharing knowledge. Gissel is resilient and always seeks opportunities for growth. Her approach is to always follow through on her commitments.

Connect with Gissel on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gissel-tapper

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